Amplified pain and complex regional pain syndrome in children: clinical cases and literature review

BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal pain is a common reason for visiting pediatric clinics. Causes of chronic musculoskeletal pain include various inflammatory or noninflammatory conditions. Amplified pain syndrome refers to a wide range of conditions manifested by chronic pain, the common feature of which is central and/or peripheral sensory amplification of pain. Complex regional pain syndrome is characterized by spontaneously occurring or provoked by irritating stimuli pain of high intensity, disproportionate to the actual injury or other stimulus, and the presence of several concomitant vegetative and motor disorders. CLINICAL CASES: This article presents three clinical cases of pediatric patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain and an analysis of the current literature on chronic pain in children. DISCUSSION: Complex regional pain syndrome is more common in adolescent girls, and conflict or psychological trauma is a common trigger. Symptoms of disproportionate burning pain (causalgia) with trophic changes may indicate complex regional pain syndrome. To date, there are no generally accepted pharmacological treatments recommended for children with complex regional pain syndrome. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen) and paracetamol and their combination are commonly administered in cases wherein symptoms of chronic pain first appear. CONCLUSIONS: Currently, a multidisciplinary approach, including physical, psychological, medical, and invasive methods, appears to be the most adequate treatment method for musculoskeletal pain. The use of analgesics should comply with approved protocols of pain management in pediatric practice.